2011 Award Winners GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2011

Ivyleigh House - Portlaoise, Co Laois

 “This historic house was sympathetically renovated by the current owners, Jerry and Dinah Campion, before they opened it as a guesthouse in 1999 – and the wonderful thing about this guesthouse is its consistency and the owners’ sustained enthusiasm, high standards and hospitality over the years.

It was a first visit for this year’s assessor, who was bowled over by the genuine welcome (‘Jerry was obviously expecting me and seemed delighted to see me!’), the lovely rooms and traditional furnishings, high level of comfort, immaculate maintenance and housekeeping and terrific value.

It’s a tough time for guesthouses competing with cheap hotels, and it’s worth highlighting the fact that well run small establishments give a fantastic service for a very moderate charge – something that is clearly appreciated by the many regular visitors to Ivyleigh House.”